Yes, you did read that right. I did use the word’s “Healthy” and “Dessert” in the same sentence. And, doing so I’m not talking about “fat free” or “sugar free”, which are not health at all, but thats a topic for another day. Mom-blogger at Modern Alternative Mama, and author, Kate Tietje has just released her 4th cook book “Treat Yourself: Real Food Desserts”!

Kate’s book is loaded with fabulous recipes utilizing natural ingredients such as honey (with immune benefits, especially when using local honey), pure maple syrup (not the kind that has corn syrup in it), Sucanat (the least processed form of granular sugar) comparable to Rapadura; also, butter, cream, fruit, almond flour and sprouted grain flour and other natural foods. For those with food allergies and gluten sensitivity or intolerance she has plenty of grain-free and some GAPS-friendly recipe’s too!

I have tried the Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce from Kate’s dessert cookbook, her version of Nutella, a favorite in many households. It was extremely easy to make, and no artificial unpronounceable ingredients! It MIGHT have taken me 6 minuets. We dipped banana’s in the Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce for an after dinner treat. Kate also suggest trying it atop her crepe recipe or as a frosting on a cake. This is definitely a great recipe if you want to impress the family and throw together a quick dessert in a bind.

Tonight my husband requested Lemon cake so I whipped out Kate’s new book and was happy to make Kate’s version of this classic dessert, loaded with wholesome ingredients and a great fresh taste for the summer. It turned out very moist and very lemony! Her recipe called for a bunt pan which I didn’t have so I used a 11×8 glass baking dish and enjoyed the same great taste, toped with homemade whipped cream (without white sugar).

To be entered go to Modern Alternative Mama and leave a comment at this post of which recipe from the Table of Contents you would most like to try. Be sure to leave a valid e-mail so I can contact you to claim your prize.

Follow me on (DrHeatherP) on Twitter and Tweeting about this giveaway. Then comment with a link to your tweet.

Add Mom Going Green to your blog roll and comment that you did so, with a link to your site.

Discount Code

If you do not win the giveaway but would really like to own this fabulous cookbook you can purchase the book at Modern Alternative Mama and receive 25% off using the following code: GREENTREAT. It expires on: 9/19/1

PART 2: The Second Time Around – New Challenges

Ok, so I will warn you, this is REALLY long! I tried real hard to condense it but I wasn’t very successful. So read on if you like! It is very interesting in the end though!

When I found out we were expecting our second, I didn’t think twice about the decision to breastfeed, it was a given. I also thought it would be much easier this time. I thought I could prevent any mastitis/plugged duct issues by using the hand pump if I had some engorgement in the first weeks. I felt confidant that I knew what I was doing the second time around. I had both a hand and electric pump, plenty of breast cold packs if needed, and Greg made sure to check Walt after birth for any vertebral fixations/subluxations and soft tissue inflammation to ensure he would be comfortable nursing on both sides and to avoid the problem Jack had.

However, it wasn’t that simple. Nursing was going pretty well the first few days, then, when my milk came in, just like with Jack, I had quite a bit of engorgement. At least I knew what it was this time and some methods to try to control it. Although, I wasn’t expecting the engorgement to be so bad the second time around. I thought my body would know what to do by now. I think some women, me included, just produce A LOT of milk! However, I did find out later there was another variable this time causing the problem (keep reading to find out what).

EPISODE 1

During these early days of milk and engorgement I tried to nurse as often as I could but Walt was very sleepy all the time. It was hard to keep him alert as often as I needed him to nurse. I also tried not allowing Walt to sleep long periods without nursing. Well, I did allow him to go 4 hours at night (this kid wanted to sleep and after 2 yrs of sleep deprivation with Jack I really didn’t want to interrupt that) yet I didn’t want mastitis either but I thought 4 hours would be ok at night. I tried to nurse on both sides at each feeding. I mistakenly cut him off early on the first side and switched sides for fear he would fall asleep and not nurse on the 2nd side. I was using the hand pump a little to relieve some pressure but I didn’t use it to empty my breasts completely (mistake again). I also tried hand expressing in the shower and using cold pack’s to decrease inflammation and prevent inflamed ducts. However, I was a milk producing machine and my efforts could not keep the engorgement under control. I felt like Walt was latching on alright and to me, appeared to be sucking the same as Jack did (although that was 3 yrs ago). I didn’t think the problem was Walt. Also, he didn’t have trouble being uncomfortable while nursing thanks to Daddy’s adjustments.

I was getting desperate though. The engorgement was getting out of control very quickly despite my efforts and experience. I talked to my midwives and told them I was struggling with the engorgement. Abby gave me several articles on different nursing techniques and info on mastitis and plugged ducts all from La Leche League. It was great to have so much info but it was a little overwhelming because I didn’t know which of the many tips to try first, but it was all great info to have! (I will share some more of that in a future post). It reaffirmed I was doing some things right, a few things I needed to change and it gave me new techniques to try for relief of the engorgement. I did try some of the suggestions in the articles but continued to be engorged. I was really worried I would end up with a fever and the whole cascade of symptoms that followed with Jack. I had already started to get a small headache, the first sign I had with mastitis with Jack. Midwife Kelley then suggested calling Jessica Buell, a lactation consultant-in-training (and apprentice midwife, and doula – lady of many talents). I was feeling VERY desperate by the time I called her, and probably hormonal and emotional from just having given birth less than a week prior. She was fabulous on the phone. She listened, asked me questions, then gave me a regimen to follow for 24 hours then I was to check back in with her. I felt so much better after talking to Jessica. I think the 24 hr. regimen gave me a focus and she seemed very confidant in it on the phone which made me feel confidant and a little more in control of things. I followed her instructions exactly and started to feel some relief. I checked in with Jessica the next day and she modified my regimen slightly for the next 24 hours (I was better but still over-producing milk). By the third day I felt back in control, engorgement was nearly gone and Jessica gave me some tip’s to continue doing and said to call if I had a future problem. I was SOOOOO thankful to have avoided mastitis, fever, aches, ect.

EPISODE 2

A week or 2 passed and then it started again, UGH!!! I know many moms out there would love to be overproducing so I shouldn’t complain so much. I woke up in the middle of the night with mild engorgement (yep, Walt was sleeping through the night woo hoo!). I immediately got up and pumped, emptied my breasts and felt much better and went back to bed. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem since I pumped as soon as I noticed the mild engorgement. Well, I have a really sensitive system apparently! The next evening, even thought the engorgement was gone, I started to get a headache and slight fever this time, Whaaat?! One little mild engorgement and I was proud of myself for pumping right away…I did not expect this at all! I wasn’t even engorged anymore after pumping but I still was having the familiar unpleasant symptoms. I immediately went back to Jessica’s 24 hr regimen she gave me a few weeks prior (I should have called her). I continued this for several days but continued to feel worse. I thought there was no use calling her since I already had what I thought was mastitis and couldn’t prevent it anymore, it was here. Well, that was a bad idea, should have called her. Should have looked up natural remedies, should have asked friends. I wasn’t thinking and gave up too soon. I figured it would just go away after a week like the episodes I had with Jack. I started taking ibuprofen to reduce the fever which was going on 7 days now. I REALLY did not want to take any medication while nursing. I felt defeated and desperate. But I wanted to avoid an antibiotic even more so I tried the ibuprofen. It did control the fever but any time I tried to get off of it the fever was right back there. Man, this thing was stubborn. And all along I should have called Jessica, don’t know what I was thinking. By day 11, still with a fever and been on ibuprofen for way too long in my opinion, I did finally contact Jessica. I didn’t give her a fair chance at helping me by calling her so late in in the game. But she tried and gave me a regime to follow. I did but I think it was just too late. I also gathered some tips from friends at this point too and tried lecithin supplements (supposed to possibly thin out the milk) and Poke Root Salve, but neither helped me (you will learn why if you continue reading). By 14 days straight with a fever and completely worn out, Jessica and I decided I had to go to the doc for an antibiotic. I was extremely disappointed that I had to do this but it was necessary. I actually hadn’t taken an antibiotic in 8 years, which I was very proud of! It killed me to make that appointment and drive to the doctor’s office. I was so mad at myself and I felt HORRIBLE that Walt would be exposed to an antibiotic at such a young age but I also had no choice at this point. I did not expect to be in this position being what I thought, a breastfeeding veteran. I took the antibiotic and the fever and symptoms improved in a day or 2. I did wonder if they would have improved anyway without the antibiotic but I was just torturing myself by thinking that way. I did need it after 14 days of a fever, maybe should have gone in a little sooner.

EPISODE 3

I was so confused as to why I was having so many problems. I felt like I was doing everything right by now and didn’t understand how one mild engorgement could lead to 14 straight days with a fever and mastitis/plugged duct. About 1-2 weeks after taking the antibiotic it was deja vu! How on Earth could this be possible, I was incredibly annoyed! Again, I woke one night with very mild engorgement and a day later the dreaded headache followed by fever a few hours later. I went back to the frequent nursing and Icing, pumping when needed and gave it a day or 2 before I called in the troops. I emailed Jessica to tell her it was starting again. I told her exactly what was going on and shared my frustration, wondering why I continue to have problems despite following all the recommendations. I also mentioned to her that at Walt’s postpartum midwife visit, we were told he may be borderline Tongue Tied.

“Tongue tie can be defined as a structural abnormality of the lingual frenum. When the frenum is normal, it is elastic and does not interfere with the movements of the tongue in sucking, eating, clearing food off the teeth in preparation for swallowing and, of course, in speech. When it is short, thick, tight or broad it has an adverse effect on oromuscular function, feeding and speech. It can also cause problems when it extends from the margin of the tongue and across the floor of the mouth to finish at the base of the teeth.” – http://www.tonguetie.net

Our midwives weren’t too concerned because Walt appeared to be nursing fine and was WAY ahead of the game in the weight gaining department. Most babies with tongue tie have A LOT of trouble nursing and gaining weight. They did suggest we talk to Dr. Hazelbaker (more about her below) or our pediatrician about it. We planned to ask our pediatrician to look at his tongue at his appointment in a few weeks. In the mean time we also Asked 2 dentists and both took a look and said it looked mild at worst and probably wouldn’t need treated. Jessica responded and recommended the same regimen that helped before but also suggested I schedule an appointment with Dr. Alison Hazelbaker, PhD, a lactation consultant who does lymphatic drainage, and happens to be an expert on the condition of Tongue Tie. She also is a CranioSacral Therapist. I promptly contacted Dr. Hazelbaker and scheduled an appointment for Monday. It was friday and Dr. Hazelbaker was kind enough to give me her cell phone number in case I ran into problems over the weekend before my appointment (which I did). Despite the icing and frequent nursing my fever was climbing Saturday evening. I took a hot shower to calm the body chills I was getting and that hot shower really spiked the fever, 104.2! I typically like to let fever’s run their course. The body is smart and creates a fever for a purpose – to kill an infection. But this was a bit high for my liking (damage can start to occur above 105 deg). I took 2 Ibuprofen but the fever was still holding strong. I wanted to take a cold bath (well didn’t really want to but needed to) but just my luck, a thunderstorm was in our area so that was out. I could have called my doctor but it was Saturday evening and I figured they would just have a recording saying something to the effect of “In case of emergency call 911, otherwise call back during business hours”, neither of which I thought sounded good. I decided to take a 3rd Ibuprofen and started icing my neck and groin areas where a lot of superficial blood vessels exist. It appeared to be working because I was starting to sweat! Within 20 minutes the fever was down below 102 and dropping, wheeew! I was so glad when Monday finally arrived and I could get to my appointment. Dr. Hazelbaker was great! Right away she noticed a very deep plugged duct. She did a lymphatic drainage technique and I could feel immediate relief! She also observed me nursing Walt and gave me some tips on how to hold him so he stays latched on (I didn’t even realize he wasn’t staying on appropriately). She then checked Walt with her own Tongue Tie Assessment method (Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF)) and determined he was Tongue Tied.

Photo from tonguetie.co.uk

There was a definitive deficit in the function and range of motion of his tongue, despite his tongue appearance not scoring too bad. This is why we weren’t in a hurry to get his tongue looked at initially. 2 dentists and 2 midwives, 4 practitioners had looked at his tongue already and it appeared to be mild tongue tie if that. They all had seen much worse cases with many more obvious symptoms so Walt’s was tricky and not that obvious even to a trained eye. Dr. Hazelbaker has done extensive studies on this condition including writing a book. She concluded the Tongue Tie was not allowing Walt to suck appropriately and he was unable to empty those deeper ducts causing the frequent plugged ducts and all of my symptoms. She mentioned it could also cause him to have large belches and increased drooling, both of which I had noticed – some monster burps and drooling at 10 weeks like a teething baby! It all made sense and I was relieved to finally know what was causing all the engorgement. If left untreated it could cause speech problems in the future. The solution was simple, to have his tongue clipped. It was a vary simple procedure and was quick and painless (for Walt, but harder for me watching). He is now 4 months and we haven’t had a problem sense! I hope to write more about tongue tie and the clipping procedure in the future. I am so grateful to have figured out the cause of my nursing challenges and to have it all taken care of now. Thanks to Jessica for all of her help and Dr. Hazelbaker for her expertise and care, and of course to our wonderful midwives who gave me info and directed me Jessica and Dr. H.

Lessons Learned – Quick tips if you are getting engorged

Before giving birth, find a lactation consultant to have incase you need help. Ask them questions before birth and don’t be afraid to call them if you have a question.

Greg and I had a lot of plans going into this labor. After having a few challenges with Jack’s labor (3 stages totaled 39 hrs) we tried to prepare more for those challenges incase they came up again this time. I read a wider variety of books on labor relaxation techniques and birth stories. Greg focused on the Bradley, Husband-Coached child birth book. We even highlighted some of our favorite relaxation techniques and reminders to flip to during labor. I dug up 2 books where I wrote down my favorite inspirational quotes to have handy for labor. I planned to drink more water early in labor and throughout. We bought some healthy birth snacks and juices in advance and planned that once labor started Greg would run to the store to add to our stash a fresh fruit plate for me and a cheese and meat plate for him (you will see how funny this idea was as you read on). When labor started we also planed Greg and I would finish up any last min. dishes, straighten the house and vacuum – I figured some gravity in early labor would help things move along faster this time (again, you will find these plans comical by the end of our story).

We decided it would be best to have Jack out of the house for the labor. We didn’t want the distraction of a 3 year old wanting our attention for playing, potential potty accidents, etc. Also I didn’t want him to see or hear me in discomfort. So the plan was to have my parents drive 1.5 hours from Dayton to pick him up and let him spend a day or 2 with grandma and grandpa. In a pinch, we arranged for our Office Manager, Sara to come to the office to watch Jack or Greg’s sister, Allison to pick him up if my parents couldn’t leave right away. We figured Jack’s labor was 39 hours, this one hopefully would be less but should still have plenty of time for all our our plans. We later learned you have to be prepared for anything, ready for the unexpected and possibility of throwing your plans out the window too!

Labor and Birth

Jack’s was a marathon which I wasn’t really ready for, but made it through… this time I expected at least a half marathon but ended up with a sprint!

This pregnancy I had more nausea, felt like my belly was growing much more quickly, more trouble sleeping and more discomfort and fatigue and due to that I was sure this baby would come early. I was really hoping anyway. When our due date (April 2) came and went I was really getting antsy, and frustrated. I had many days with an hour or 2 of contractions and they just got my hopes up. Each morning I woke up I couldn’t believe I was still pregnant! I had been having braxton hicks contractions in increasing frequency since week 36. On April 8th, friday evening, I had contractions for 11 hours, averaging 7-8min. apart. I was really hoping to see some sign that it was the start of labor but they stopped by morning. Saturday, April 9th I had random contractions on and off throughout the day, nothing consistent and that evening I had 2 hours of contractions 5 min. apart. I had another uncomfortable restless night Saturday night and early Sunday morning, around 5am had a mini emotional breakdown. I was crying and frustrated, and told Greg I just couldn’t go another day pregnant, uncomfortable and unable to sleep (I thought this every day in the last month but I finally just broke down). I prayed that this pregnancy would be over and we’d meet our baby asap then tried to fall back asleep.

Two hours and 45 min. later, Sunday April 10th at 7:45 I woke up with contractions 3 min. apart. Again, I was hoping this would be the real thing but was doubtful because every previous time the contractions just went away after a few hours. Plus I had not had the bloody show/mucus plug yet which I had with Jack’s labor about 18 hours before his birth. I really thought I’d have this sign again at the beginning of this labor. However after 30 min. of this I felt they were somewhat strong and I decided to call our midwife Abby. She suggested getting in the bath and see if they get any stronger or closer. She said she expected real labor for us might start with contractions about 8-10 min. apart and get closer and stronger from there.

So I drank some water and got in the bath (used most of our hot water) and the contractions continued. I thought they were getting a little stronger and a few were closer but I just wasn’t sure and still had no mucus plug or bloody show. I figured I should have time to feel it out and decide if this was real labor or not. In the mean time, just in case it was true labor, Greg first contacted his sister, Allison who lives in Worthington to see if she was off work. We didn’t want to have my parents drive all the way if it wasn’t labor. She was working so Greg went ahead and called my parents and told them labor might be starting, we weren’t sure and asked if they would come just in case this was real labor. If it wasn’t they could enjoy a Sunday afternoon with Jack anyway. We were really thrown for a loop because these contractions started at 3 min. apart so we didn’t know if we should wait and see or prepare for a fast moving labor. There isn’t far to go from 3 minutes but also, it seemed unlikely after Jack’s very gradual and slow moving labor that it would really start this fast.

I got out of the bath and contractions were getting stronger. Greg asked if he should start the dishwasher and I said you better start filling the birthing tub instead (we have a really small hot water heater). I told Greg he better call my parents and make sure they left and I text Sara (9:20am) to come to the office. Things were picking up quickly and now I wasn’t sure if my parents would make it in time and I could really use Greg’s support through the contractions. Greg followed up with Sara, as I was starting to need to focus on getting through each contraction and he also took care of Jack, all while filling the tub too. So much was happening all at once and by now we knew it was real labor.

Basically Greg was running around like a crazy person trying to take care of EVERYTHING and in the mean time I was trying to relax through these quickly increasingly uncomfortable contractions. I felt the most relief to sit on the toilet or lean on the bed during the contractions, while waiting for the birthing tub to fill. It was maybe 9:30 or 9:45 at this time. I soon went to the bathroom and lost the mucus plug. Greg called Abby to tell her and to let her know things appeared to be moving very fast. She called Kelley and both were on their way. He also called Sara to let her know to come straight to our house, he wouldn’t be able to leave to take Jack to the office. Contractions were fast and really uncomfortable so I got in the birth tub even though it was only about 1/4 full, but I really needed some relief. I was thinking, what did I get myself into again! I forgot how intensely uncomfortable this was. I was thinking I really hope I can get through this but wow this is hard! I wasn’t really timing the contractions at this time but they were close and very strong. I was very surprised that I could already feel the head maybe only an inch or 2 high and told Greg that too. Greg could hear I was having some trouble. After one contraction he saw me go through he said to me “Are you pushing already?”. I then realized my body was already pushing without me consciously trying or wanting to (since the midwives weren’t there yet). At this point with Jack still here, Greg did his best running in to scratch my back then running out to take care of Jack who had an accident in his pants. It really did help me though. That back and forth continued for a little while until Sara arrived just after 10am and left around 10:15. A million thanks to Sara! I had no idea how soon our baby would be born! I was so glad she made it and I could get Greg’s undivided attention. I really needed it at that time. I was questioning if I could do it and was struggling a bit with the contractions. I was getting through them but just barely. I was trying hard to relax during my breaks and also dreading the next contraction to come.

I was struggling and thinking I can not take this much longer at all, I don’t know if I can make it. Then I realized, is this transition already, labor just started 2:30 hours ago! Greg said that I told him that I couldn’t do it out loud but I don’t remember verbalizing my thought, thought it was just in my head! I thought well if this is transition then it can’t last more than 30 min. or so (This is around 10:15/10:20). Maybe 5 min or less later I felt my water break and the intensity immediately increased further. I didn’t think it could get any more intense at that point! I thought I could feel the hair and that the head was coming down quickly. I asked Greg to look and got on my knees in the tub so he could see. He confirmed it was the head and called Abby again and updated her and she said she was 5 min. away and for me to try not to push too hard. Well the head was coming and my body was pushing without me trying at all. Maybe 2-3 contractions after my water broke the head was half way out and I felt like I needed to push it all the way out. Then, we heard Kelley walk in the door and Greg was so relieved! She was very surprised the head was out and helped deliver the rest of his body (10:27am). Yep, it was a boy! I was just in disbelief (and relief) at the whole thing. Abby arrived just after Walter and her and Kelley took over checking Walt and I. He came out quiet but healthy and eventually tested out his vocals. He was calm and cuddly for our first hour of bonding after the birth. We left the cord/placenta attached for the first hour this time. I then enjoyed a warm shower and spent the rest of the day resting with baby Walt!

I had a small 1st degree tear but wouldn’t have know if they didn’t tell me. I also never would have guessed his size at 10lb 8 oz. Fortunately there were no problems getting him out and the size didn’t seem to make a difference for me. I think we were all shocked at the drastic difference my 2 labors. We are happy everything turned out well. Recovery so far has been easier and faster this time around.

After a fast, chaotic, but successful 3hr 18 min (3 stages) labor, with just 29 min. of pushing and maybe just 3-4 conscious, intentional pushes, Walter (Walt) James Prenger was born April 10, 2011 at 10:27am, 10lb, 8oz and 21 inches.

After Thoughts

Well as you read, there wasn’t enough time during Walt’s labor for all of our “plans”. Trip to the store, ha! Time and need for all the ice chips we made, all the relaxation techniques we practiced, nope! Despite the rushing and craziness, I felt more in control this time and more comfortable with everything happening with my body. I had been there before and while it was very uncomfortable and painful at times, I knew what was coming, I knew it wouldn’t last forever and I knew our baby would come soon (well didn’t know that soon!). While I did have thoughts of questioning if I could make it, I knew I could and I did truly believe that this time. Even though Walt’s head was coming and the midwives weren’t there yet I didn’t feel panicked or frightened or worried, it all felt natural and my body was just doing it’s thing. I also did say on top of drinking water even during the craziness. For any future births the main thing I would do different would be fill the birthing tub in advance. I would still probably make plans for the long haul, just in case but will be ready for a sprint. Apparently I can have labors very different from one another so I will be ready to go with the flow and prepared for anything!

First of all, Merry Christmas to everyone. I just love the holiday season! We have been listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas shows, cut down a Christmas Tree, put up Christmas lights, made a gingerbread house (cake house as Jack calls it), and of course Christmas cookies! I hope you have been enjoying the season as much as our family! Some of you may already know, as I am a little behind in posting our exciting news, but the Prenger Family is expecting our second baby in early April. I’m about 6 months now. We are anticipating with excitement our new arrival! You also may have noticed I took a several month break from blogging. The hiatus was in part due to me working extra hours for 8 weeks, filling in for a local chiropractor who had 2 surgeries this summer. Also contributing was the fact that the early months of this pregnancy I was really sick and nauseous 24/7, much more so than my pregnancy with Jack.

A comparison of my pregnancy’s so far: I made a nifty chart on my mac and it would not transfer to wordpress without wacky format (frustration!) so here’s the info anyway.

Pregnancy 2: Strong smells = sick, between meals = sick, changing diaper/potty = sick, cooking = sick, cravings are random, I see or hear something then have to have it. Lately it has been cereal (which I never buy) and oranges. Aversions were random and changing early, none as of lately, fatigue was extreme for first trimester, extreme sickness lasted week 5-14, mild for a few weeks after that and rare now. Oh, and my weird habit, spitting (see below for details).

On the spitting topic, yes, so weird and annoying! Early in the pregnancy I felt like I was making a ton of saliva and swallowing it made me sick (of course). I did read that I’m not alone and it is something many pregnant women experience. I had to carry around what Greg called my “spitter”, a bottle or cup. I had one in my purse, car, every room in the house! Yes it is comical (and a bit embarrassing when in public but I had to do it, HAD TO!) and Greg throughly enjoyed teasing about my new habit. Well, not really a habit but a necessity. Fortunately the spitting has passed. I was not very good at managing the sickness. I did try not to eat large meals, but didn’t do a good job of bringing snacks with me at work and when I was out. Partly due to extreme fatigue and chaotic work schedule, needing to get Jack and the house ready for family members who watched him, taking him to relatives houses ect. while I was working extra shifts. And partly because not many foods sounded appealing to me. When I did bring a snack it seemed to help but I also felt like I was eating non-stop and I just couldn’t eat that often, comfortably, even if it was small snacks/meals. I did make some pregnancy tea which seemed to help a bit. I’m not crazy about the flavor but I forced it down to help muffle the sickness.

Add a handful to hot water in a mason jar. Let sit (longer the stronger and more beneficial). I usually let it sit overnight. Then strain and either re-heat or chill (my choice) and enjoy (or force down). It isn’t all that bad, I’m just not a big tea person unless it’s really fruity or mild, I am trying to be though

What do you do for nausea during pregnancy? Was it challenging for you as well? Any tips? Anything you swear by? Please leave a comment!

much food as possible from local farms, farmers markets, and our own garden, and as little as possible from grocery stores. I am so frustrated with the way our country’s food industry works. Like everything else, its all about the money. Cheap, unhealthy ingredients, and a lot of them is what you will find in most processed convenience foods. My grandma recently tried to buy a package of frozen fish at the store and put it back on the shelf when she saw it came from china! My mother-in-law recently saw on the news that there are 30% fewer nutrients in our foods now than when she was growing up. Large industrial farms are more concerned with the look and size of their food than the quality. Food on grocery shelves with few ingredients and healthy, natural ones are few and far between! Its so sad to see. Its no wonder I see young people come into our chiropractic office unhealthy, overweight, and on multiple medications. They are a product of our society today and the food most readily available and affordable. I imagine my generation and those to come will not live as long as my grandparents generation. There is just too much intervention ruining our food, and most in the name of money. Now that I have ranted for a while, and I could go on for pages, I’ll move on to the good stuff.

Jack checking out the Pigs

In my mission to obtain farm fresh foods and without breaking the bank, I have decided to start with meat and dairy (which we don’t eat a lot of), the foods highest on the food chain and most likely to be contaminated. I was so happy when I received an email from friend and fellow mom, Kate of Modern Alternative Mama, inviting me to join a group of local families ordering meat and raw milk from an Ohio farm. The farm is Luginbill Family Farm. For any family’s in Northwest Ohio, Columbus, or Dayton, I highly recommend Luginbill. We have had a wonderful experience so far and have enjoyed quality meats and eggs at affordable prices from a family farm. We have tried eggs, chicken, turkey, and beef. The eggs are huge, and a challenge to crack open and obviously from a healthier chicken. My husband wonders if the grocery store eggs could even capable of hatching a chicken. Last month we tried a whole chicken and enjoyed 2 meals of white meat and then froze the remaining chicken pieces for later and boiled everything else to make 8 cups of stock! I am planning on trying their raw milk soon too! In addition they have lamb, and many cuts of beef and pork. Kate toured the farm and interviewed the farmer before organizing the ordering group, but recently we made our first trip to the farm to do a pick-up! We enjoyed a tour of the farm. Jack had a great time watching the animals! If you are local and interested in joining our ordering group let me know. The prices are on the farm’s website. If we get enough people in our group, the farm will deliver to Columbus.

Free Range Chicken's

Chasing the Turkey's

Dr. Heather’s Recommendation on choosing a farm

Visit the farm – personally meet the farmer and take a tour of their farm. You will be able to see first hand how they care for their animals and quality of food and have an opportunity to ask them any questions you have.

Look for a farm that is either certified organic, in the process of getting certified, or who follow organic practices. Some smaller farms may not have the resources to get certified but are as organic as any other certified farm and often have more affordable prices and offer more of a personal experience.

Ask if they will be able to keep up with your needs, and do they have a variety of offerings to suit your family’s menu.

How local are they and are they willing to deliver? The closer the farm, the more “green”! If the farmer is delivering from a far distance, you and the environment may be paying for the fuel costs.

Friendly Farmer's

Have you tried a local farm? Have you noticed a difference in the quality of food?

We spent our beautiful, sunny, and warm Saturday afternoon going for a leisurely walk around downtown and the short north. We had a nice lunch at ZPizza which offers organic, all-natural, and gluten-free food. We stopped in a few local shops and learned about Everybodyrides, a program where local retailers in the Short North provide bikes for people to borrow to get around town then return when done, a greentastic concept! Read more about Everyonebikes here.

Before we made it downtown we stopped at one of our favorite local toy stores, Larson’s, in Upper Arlington. They sell many wooden and safe toys for kids and babies. They have a wide selections of all types of toys and games. We were looking for train tracks to put around the castle that Greg built with his friend Shane for Jack for christmas. While checking out I noticed a sign that said they offered a free gift for any customer turning 2! It was a oval train track by Nuchi with 2 colorful dinosaur train cars, valued at $19.95. I was pumped! I love Nuchi trains, it is a great company with high standards for safety.

Nuchi is a subdivision of the Little Little Little Toy company or the little3 toy company . The little company was started by Peter Reynolds, former president of BRIO’s American subsidiary. He split from brio due to a personal conflict. I spoke directly with Nuchi and despite being made in china, which I’m not crazy about, they comply with the American and European safety standards ASCM 963 and EN71. They could not guarantee zero ppm lead but said they do extensive testing and are always well under the standards listed above. They aren’t designed to be replica’s of existing trains but have a more playful, and colorful look, enticing children’s imaginations. According to TD monthly, this is a great up and coming company. Nuchi trains are compatible with brio and thomas train sets.

The free train set Larson’s is giving out is the perfect size for little hands. It is so hard to find anything for free, let alone a high quality train set! I recommend any parents of a 2 year birthday boy or girl to pay a visit to Larson’s!